RENASCENCE

As sustainability becomes a priority, traditional supply chains - where products move in one direction, towards the customers - are no longer enough. Circular Networks (CNs) offer a more efficient approach by integrating both forward and reverse material flows.

This means, waste and used products are recirculated to different participants of the network and used as an input for creating new products. However, complexity of CNs comes from unpredictable supply and demand, variations in material quantity and quality in terms of used materials, and rigid supply chain structures that struggle to adapt to disruptions. This project aims to overcome these challenges by designing a modelling approach that accounts for disruptions in supply, demand, and production.

A method for robust material flow planning will also be created, considering uncertainties in both new and reused materials. Additionally, a material flow redesign strategy for handling unexpected disruptions—such as material shortages or process failures—will be developed to ensure minimal impact. These models will be tested in a simulation environment using a case study from the wood industry. The research will contribute to making industrial networks more sustainable and resilient.

Companies will gain better tools for managing resources efficiently, reducing waste, and adapting to changes. The findings will also support policy recommendations and help industries in both countries through technology transfer and industrial collaborations.